Sous Chef

Richmond, VA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Training and development opportunities

Employee assistance program

Catering event participation

Job Description

Shineforth is a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a wide range of programs that support children, teens, and parents as they strive to overcome various life challenges. The organization is nationally recognized for its commitment to helping young people and families by equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed and achieve their personal and community goals. Shineforth is more than just a support organization; it is a proactive leader in identifying unmet social service needs and creating strategic partnerships to meet those needs effectively. Their mission to empower children, teens, and families is grounded in the belief that by strengthening the family unit, children and teens can overcome adversity and build bright futures. This mission reflects a holistic approach where the stability and self-sufficiency of families are prioritized, which in turn fosters caring communities.

The role of the Sous Chef at Shineforth is a vital position that supports both the agency’s operational needs and its community-oriented goals. The Sous Chef will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of hot and cold meals for different eating occasions, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special events hosted by Shineforth. This position requires accuracy, efficiency, and creativity to ensure meals provided meet Shineforth’s high standards for quality and nutrition. The Sous Chef will work alongside kitchen staff to maintain food safety and sanitation standards compliant with federal, state, and local guidelines, helping to create a healthy and safe dining experience for all clients and staff.

In addition to meal preparation responsibilities, the Sous Chef plays a significant role in training kitchen staff to follow company and regulatory standards for food preparation, safety, and sanitation. This includes maintaining cleaning schedules, inventory management of food and non-food supplies, and ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly and efficiently each day. The individual in this role will utilize advanced cooking techniques and have intermediate to advanced knife skills to produce a range of menu items, including special diet meals and bakery products. The Sous Chef will assist with catering events and be expected to adapt flexibly to additional duties as assigned, demonstrating the position’s essential nature within the organization.

This position is designated as Essential Personnel, meaning the Sous Chef’s presence is crucial during emergency situations such as extreme weather or natural disasters to maintain safe and secure operations. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and have 3 to 4 years of cooking experience along with a basic knowledge of kitchen equipment operation. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and possession of a valid driver’s license are required, with Serve Safe certification necessary within 90 days of hire. Physical demands include the ability to stand, walk, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and the capacity to perform repetitive hand movements, among others. Shineforth offers a supportive and drug-free work environment with moderate to loud noise levels. The Sous Chef role therefore contributes not only to the nutritional well-being of those served by Shineforth but also supports the organization’s broader mission to enrich the lives of children, families, and communities through dedicated service and teamwork.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED
3 to 4 years cook experience with basic kitchen equipment operation
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Current driver’s license and driving record meeting agency requirements
Proof of auto insurance
Serve Safe certification required within 90 days of hire
Ability to stand, walk, bend, sit
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
Corrected vision and normal hearing and communication skills
Ability to use various kitchen equipment and machines
Good memory and recall for accurate data transfer
Noise tolerance in a moderate to loud work environment
Drug-free workplace compliance

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
3 to 4 years of cooking experience with basic kitchen equipment operation
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to perform all essential duties satisfactorily
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Serve Safe certification obtained within 90 days of hire
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Ability to follow food safety and sanitation guidelines
Ability to work as part of a team and train staff
Capacity to handle physical demands of the job

Job Duties

Prepares and cooks to order foods that require short preparation time
May prepare food and serve customers at an a la carte
Prepares food according to federal, state, and local food safety guidelines
Assists with training kitchen staff in food preparation, safety, and sanitation
Maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for kitchen equipment and work areas
Manages inventory of food and non-food supplies within established guidelines
Provides highest quality of service to customers
Follows recipes and product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, and serving foods
Operates kitchen equipment for measuring and mixing ingredients and food preparation
Tastes products and keeps records to plan production and requisition supplies
Cleans and sanitizes workstations and equipment following Shineforth and regulatory rules
Attends allergy and foodborne illness training and complies with HACCP policies
Participates in safety meetings and hazard assessments
Produces small to large batch goods using advanced cooking techniques
Selects recipes, prepares bakery items, receives inventory, and prepares special diet meals
Uses intermediate to advanced knife skills
Assists with catering events in Firefly Hall
Performs other assigned duties